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REG - New Frontier Mineral - Heavy Rare Earths Dominant at Harts Range Project

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RNS Number : 2109E  New Frontier Minerals Limited  09 April 2025

 

9 April 2025

 

 

New Frontier Minerals Limited

 

("NFM" or the "Company")

 

Heavy Rare Earths Dominant at Harts Range Project, Northern Territory

 

New Frontier Minerals Ltd (ASX: NFM), is a mineral explorer and developer
focussed on demand-driven commodities in Australia. The Company has undertaken
rare earth distribution analysis of 25 rock chip samples from the primary Cusp
and Bobs Prospects at the Harts Range Project, which is located 140km
north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The initial key
findings show high-value, heavy rare earths in particular Dysprosium Oxide
(11.75%) and Terbium Oxide (1.87%), underscoring substantial exploration
potential.

Highlights:

·    Analysis of samples from Cusp and Bobs Prospects reveals a dominance
towards high-value, Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE)

·    Results highlighting up to 11.75% Dysprosium Oxide and 1.87% Terbium
Oxide within the Total Rare Earth Element (TREO) mix

·    US tariffs have resulted in China restricting exports of seven
categories of medium and heavy rare earths-namely Samarium, Gadolinium,
Dysprosium, Terbium, Lutetium, Scandium, and Yttrium-related items, commencing
4 April, 2025(10)

·    The demand for rare earth elements continues to grow due to their
critical role in various industries including defence and high-tech
industries:

 

o  The development of domestic supply chains by the US Department of Defence
(DOD) to ensure continued access to rare earth materials needed for permanent
magnets used in key U.S. military weapons

 

 

Ged Hall, Chairman, commented:  "The initial analysis at the Cusp and Bobs
Prospects of the Harts Range Project has revealed a strong dominance of heavy
rare earth elements, in particular Dysprosium and Terbium, which is highly
encouraging. China's recent announcement to restrict the export of these
critical heavy rare earths highlights the urgent need for alternative sources
of supply.

These elements are essential for defence applications and are predominantly
supplied and controlled by China, making their availability increasingly rare
and strategically important. New Frontier is well-placed to seize this unique
opportunity to explore and develop new sources of heavy rare earths at the
Harts Range Project."

 

DOMINANT HEAVY RARE EARTH DISTRIBUTION

Rare earth distribution analysis was undertaken on 13 mineralised rock chip
samples (Appendix A) from the outcropping pegmatite at the Cusp Prospect.
Using a Rare Earth Oxide (REO) average of the 13 samples, analysis has
confirmed the mineralisation at Cusp to be consistently skewed and dominant
towards Heavy Rare Earths (HRE).

Figure 1: Distribution of Dysprosium and Terbium rich mineralisation at Cusp
Prospect

The rare earth sample distribution at Cusp is particularly rich in Dysprosium
(11.76%, Dy(2)O(3)) and Terbium (1.18%, Tb(4)O(7)), with a rare earth basket
that comprises over 92% heavy rare earth minerals (Figure 1). The combined
Dysprosium and Terbium distribution at the Cusp Prospect makes up 13.63% of
the total rare earth oxide (TREO) basket mix.

Distribution analysis was also undertaken at the Bobs Prospect, using a Rare
Earth Oxide (REO) average of 12 mineralised rock chip samples (Appendix A)
from the outcropping pegmatites. Like Cusp, the distribution analysis at Bobs
has confirmed a high concentration of Heavy Rare Earths (HRE) mineralisation,
particularly rich in Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) (Figure 2).

The rare earth distribution at Bobs showed higher Yttrium (71.06%, Y(2)O(3))
while still rich in heavy lanthanides Dysprosium (8.75%, Dy(2)O(3)) and
Terbium (1.18%, Tb(4)O(7)). The overall heavy rare earth basket mix at Bobs
was higher, comprising over 97% heavy rare earths.

The combined Dysprosium and Terbium distribution at the Bobs Prospect makes up
9.93% of the total rare earth oxide (TREO) basket mix.

The Bobs Prospect is located 1.6km along strike from Cusp and sits on the same
major east-west trending structure, with similar mineralisation and geological
setting.

Figure 2: Distribution of Dysprosium and Terbium rich mineralisation at Bobs
Prospect

INTRODUCTION TO RARE EARTH ELEMENTS

Rare earths are a group of 15 elements in the periodic table known as the
Lanthanide series. They are categorised into Light Rare Earths (Lanthanum to
Samarium) and Heavy Rare Earths (Europium to Lutetium)(4) but can also include
Yttrium and Scandium.

Although rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust,
their geochemical properties cause them to be widely dispersed. As a result,
they are rarely found in economically viable concentrations. This scarcity of
easily accessible deposits is what earned them the name "rare earths".

Rare earth elements are critical for technologies aimed at reducing emissions,
lowering energy consumption, and improving efficiency, performance, speed,
durability, and thermal stability. They also play a vital role in advancing
technologies aimed at making products lighter and more compact(4).

DYSPROSIUM AND TERBIUM RARE EARTH PRICES

As of 4 April, 2025, Shanghai Metals Market(7) have quoted the average market
prices for Dysprosium and Terbium rare earths as follows:

Dysprosium (Metal):                   US$253.13/kg(7)

Terbium (Metal):
US$983.45/kg(7)

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF HEAVY RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN PERMANENT MAGNETS

Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) are crucial for enhancing the performance of
Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets, which already rely on Light
Rare Earth Elements like Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr).

The incorporation of Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) into NdFeB magnets
significantly improves their coercive strength and increases resistance to
demagnetisation at elevated temperatures(2). This enables electric vehicle
motors to operate at much higher temperatures compared to magnets lacking Dy
and Tb. This capability is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and reliability
of electric vehicles in diverse operating conditions.

GLOBAL DEMAND FOR DYSPROSIUM: GROWTH OUTLOOK AND MARKET TRENDS

The global demand for Dysprosium reached USD 1,002.2 million in 2024 and is
anticipated to grow by 4.9% year-over-year in 2025, bringing total revenue to
USD 1,054.3 million by the end of the year. Looking ahead, this demand is
expected to surge to USD 1,750.3 million by 2035, with a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035(1).

The steady growth in demand for Dysprosium is driven by its increasing demand
across a variety of industries. As a vital component in the production of
high-performance magnets, Dysprosium plays a pivotal role in advancing
technologies that are essential to modern industries.

Dysprosium is most widely used in Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets, which
are critical for applications in Electric Vehicles (EVs), wind turbines,
consumer electronics and other high-tech products.

As the demand for cleaner energy solutions and more efficient technologies
grows, Dysprosium's role in driving these innovations is becoming more
significant.

CHINA'S DOMINANCE IN GLOBAL HREE SUPPLY AND REFINING CAPACITY

China controls 90% of global rare earth processing capacity, including its
HREE supply from Myanmar. It remains the dominant producer of Dysprosium Oxide
and leads the world in refining capacity(3).

China's control extends beyond production, as it also leads the world in
refining capacity. With the exception of a small facility in Vietnam, China is
the only country with operational Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE) separation
plants. Additional separation facilities outside of China include Iluka
Resources' rare earth refinery which will have the capacity to process a
variety of feedstocks, including those from third-party producers. Starting in
2027, Iluka will begin producing a range of rare earth oxides, including
Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium and others(6).

It is expected that China will maintain its dominant position in the HREE
supply chain, with only limited global diversification. Given China's
disproportionate role in these critical raw materials and the lack of viable
alternative heavy rare earth production facilities, many OECD countries are
increasingly looking for alternative supply options.

The scarcity of significant heavy rare earth resources outside of China,
combined with the global push to diversify away from Chinese dominance, has
created a favorable outlook for the future of heavy rare earths. This presents
a unique opportunity for New Frontier Minerals to explore and develop new
heavy rare earth sources, particularly at its Harts Range Project.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PERMANENT MAGNETS IN DEFENCE

The U.S. Department of Defence (DOD) is advancing efforts to build domestic
supply chains for rare earth materials, crucial for manufacturing permanent
magnets used in key military systems. These magnets are vital for technologies
like the F-35 aircraft, Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, and UAVs, as
well as commercial applications such as radar and electrical generation
systems(8) (Figures 3 and 4).

Rare earth magnets are used in various Defence systems, including Tomahawk
missiles, radar systems, and smart bombs. The F-35 requires over 900 pounds of
rare earth materials, while a Virginia-class submarine requires up to 9,200
pounds. These materials are also essential in other systems, such as
vehicle-mounted laser rangefinders and sonar equipment(8).

Defence applications represent a significant and growing portion of rare earth
demand, particularly for heavy rare earth elements. Heavy rare earth elements
(HREEs) such as Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium are especially crucial for
Defence applications, as they are key components in high-performance magnets,
lasers, and aerospace technology. Due to their limited availability and
strategic significance, these elements often fetch prices 5 to 10 times higher
than light rare earths(9).

Currently, the U.S. has limited domestic production, with only one active rare
earth mine. The DOD aims to expand domestic capacity by investing in
facilities for mining, separation, processing, and magnet production. This
effort is critical to reducing U.S. reliance on foreign sources, particularly
China, and ensuring national security by securing a stable supply of rare
earth materials.

 

Figure 3: F-35 aircraft requires over 900 pounds of rare earth materials(8)

 

Figure 4: Virginia-class submarine, contains up to 9,200 pounds of rare
earths(8)

( )

REFERENCES

1)
https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/dysprosium-market#:~:text=This%20demand%20is%20projected%20to,earth%20element%20across%20different%20industries
(https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/dysprosium-market#:~:text=This%20demand%20is%20projected%20to,earth%20element%20across%20different%20industries)
.

2)
https://www.arnoldmagnetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Important-Role-of-Dysprosium-in-Modern-Permanent-Magnets-150906.pdf
(https://www.arnoldmagnetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Important-Role-of-Dysprosium-in-Modern-Permanent-Magnets-150906.pdf)

3)
https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/transition-minerals/fuelling-the-future-poisoning-the-present-myanmars-rare-earth-boom/
(https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/transition-minerals/fuelling-the-future-poisoning-the-present-myanmars-rare-earth-boom/)

4)      https://lynasrareearths.com/about-us/what-are-rare-earths/
(https://lynasrareearths.com/about-us/what-are-rare-earths/)

5)
https://www.adamasintel.com/new-report-rare-earth-magnet-market-outlook-to-2040/
(https://www.adamasintel.com/new-report-rare-earth-magnet-market-outlook-to-2040/)

6)
https://www.iluka.com/operations-resource-development/resource-development/eneabba/
(https://www.iluka.com/operations-resource-development/resource-development/eneabba/)

7)      https://www.metal.com/Rare-Earth-Metals
(https://www.metal.com/Rare-Earth-Metals)

8)
https://www.Defence.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3700059/dod-looks-to-establish-mine-to-magnet-supply-chain-for-rare-earth-materials/
(https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3700059/dod-looks-to-establish-mine-to-magnet-supply-chain-for-rare-earth-materials/)

9)
https://discoveryalert.com.au/news-article/defence-critical-materials-australia-strategy-2025/#:~:text=Defence%20applications%20represent%20a%20significant,batteries%2C%20and%20advanced%20electrical%20systems
(https://discoveryalert.com.au/news-article/defence-critical-materials-australia-strategy-2025/#:~:text=Defense%20applications%20represent%20a%20significant,batteries%2C%20and%20advanced%20electrical%20systems)

10)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/
(https://www.reuters.com/world/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/)

 

For further information please contact

 

 

 New Frontier Minerals Limited                                       +61 8 6558 0886 
 Gerrard Hall (UK), Chairman                                          
                                                                      
 SI Capital Limited (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker)         +44 (0)1483 413500 
 Nick Emerson                                                          
                                                                       
 Gracechurch Group (Financial PR)                                    +44 (0)20 4582 3500
 Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Henry Gamble                             

 

About New Frontier Minerals

New Frontier Minerals Limited is an Australian-based focussed explorer, with a
strategy to develop multi-commodity assets that demonstrate future potential
as an economic mining operation. Through the application of disciplined and
structured exploration, New Frontier has identified assets deemed core and is
actively progressing these interests up the value curve. Current focus will be
on advancing exploration activity at the Harts Range Niobium, Uranium and
Heavy Rare Earths Project which is circa 140km north-east from Alice Springs
in the Northern Territory.

Other interests include the NWQ Copper Project, situated in the copper-belt
district circa 150km north of Mt Isa in Queensland and the Broken Hill Project
in western New South Wales.

New Frontier Minerals is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "NFM".

Competent Persons Statement

The scientific and technical information in this announcement, which relates
to exploration results and the geology of the deposits described, is based on
information compiled and approved for release by Mark Biggs. Mark Biggs is a
Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM Member #
107188) and meets the requirements of a Competent Person as defined by the
2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results,
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012 Edition). Mark Biggs has 35
years of experience relevant to Rare Earth Elements (REE), industrial mineral
copper mineralisation types, as well as expertise in the quality and potential
mining methods of the deposits under consideration. Additionally, he has 25
years of experience in the estimation, assessment, and evaluation of
exploration results and mineral resource estimates, which are the activities
for which he accepts responsibility. He also successfully completed an AusIMM
Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting. Mark Biggs is a
consultant with ROM Resources and was engaged by New Frontier Minerals Limited
to prepare the documentation for several prospects, specifically those within
the Harts Range Prospects upon which the Report is based.

Furthermore, the full nature of the relationship between himself and New
Frontier Minerals Limited has been disclosed, including any potential
conflicts of interest. Mark Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company
that is a shareholder of New Frontier Minerals Limited, and ROM Resources
provides occasional geological consultancy services to New Frontier Minerals
Limited.

The Report or excerpts referenced in this statement have been reviewed,
ensuring that they are based on and accurately reflect, in both form and
context, the supporting documentation relating to exploration results and any
mineral resource estimates. The release of the Report and this statement has
been consented to by the Directors of New Frontier Minerals Limited.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information in this document refers to the intentions of New Frontier
Minerals Ltd, but these are not intended to be forecasts, forward-looking
statements or statements about future matters for the purposes of the
Corporations Act or any other applicable law. The occurrence of events in the
future is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause New
Frontier Minerals Ltd's actual results, performance or achievements to differ
from those referred to in this announcement. Accordingly, New Frontier
Minerals Ltd, its directors, officers, employees, and agents, do not give any
assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events referred to in this
announcement will occur as contemplated. The interpretations and conclusions
reached in this announcement are based on current geological theory and the
best evidence available to the authors at the time of writing. It is the
nature of all scientific conclusions that they are founded on an assessment of
probabilities and, however high these probabilities might be, they make no
claim for complete certainty. Any economic decisions that might be taken based
on interpretations or conclusions contained in this announcement will
therefore carry an element of risk. The announcement may contain
forward-looking statements that involve several risks and uncertainties. These
risks include but are not limited to, economic conditions, stock market
fluctuations, commodity demand and price movements, access to infrastructure,
timing of approvals, regulatory risks, operational risks, reliance on key
personnel, Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, native title, foreign
currency fluctuations, exploration risks, mining development, construction,
and commissioning risk. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good
faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. These statements reflect
current expectations, intentions or strategies regarding the future and
assumptions based on currently available information. Should one or more of
the risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove
incorrect, actual results may vary from the expectations, intentions and
strategies described in this announcement. No obligation is assumed to update
forward-looking statements if these beliefs, opinions, and estimates should
change or to reflect other future developments.

 

APPENDIX A:  JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1

The following JORC Code (2012 Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to
provide background for geological mapping, and rock chip sampling programs,
mostly conducted by Barfuss Corporation and New Frontier Minerals Limited
since October 2024.

 

No previous ASX releases have been made about the Harts Range Nb-U-REE Mineral
Project.

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

 Criteria                                                 JORC Code explanation                                                            Commentary
 Sampling techniques                                      •    Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or         ·     Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius
                                                          specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the      around the recorded coordinate location. The rock chip fragments that were
                                                          minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF    collected to make up the sample included fragments that approximately ranged
                                                          instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad      from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight.  A total of twenty-eight (28) rock chip
                                                          meaning of sampling.                                                             samples were collected in calico bags and were progressed for laboratory

                                                                                analysis (sample numbers range from HR419 to 510). Samples were collected from
                                                          •    Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity         rock outcrops, soils, and occasionally mullock heaps in the vicinity of west
                                                          and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.        to east trending pegmatite dykes.  Many of the surface samples contained the

                                                                                U-bearing mineral samarskite.
                                                          •    Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to
                                                          the Public Report.

                                                          •    In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be
                                                          relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m
                                                          samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire
                                                          assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there
                                                          is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
                                                          mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
                                                          detailed information.
 Drilling techniques                                      •    • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer,             ·    Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
                                                          rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter,    drilled.
                                                          triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face sampling bit or other
                                                          type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
 Drill sample recovery                                    •    Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries           ·     Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
                                                          and results assessed.                                                            drilled.

                                                          •    Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative
                                                          nature of the samples.

                                                          •    Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and
                                                          whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
                                                          fine/coarse material.
 Logging                                                  •    Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and                    ·    Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a table
                                                          geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral        contained in Figure A1-1 of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated the 14(TH) of
                                                          Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.                   October 2024.

                                                          •    Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or          ·    Where appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at several
                                                          costean, channel, etc) photography.                                              sites, additional to the twenty (28) rock chip sample sites.  Measuring

                                                                                bedding is difficult because of the high metamorphically - disturbed rock
                                                          •    The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections               types.
                                                          logged.
 Subsampling techniques and sample preparation            •    If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core          ·      Of the sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented
                                                          taken.                                                                           for analyses.

                                                          •    If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and           ·      Assays were done by independent laboratory Ultra Trace Pty Ltd at
                                                          whether sampled wet or dry.                                                      Canning Vale Perth WA (now Amdel Limited) throughout 2007 and 2008. The

                                                                                samples were sorted and dried.  Primary preparation was then by crushing the
                                                          •    For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of           whole sample. The whole sample was pulverised in a vibrating disc pulveriser.
                                                          the sample preparation technique.

                                                                                ·      All samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75
                                                          •    Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to           microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard sample
                                                          maximise representivity of samples.                                              preparation and analyses procedures were performed on all samples and are

                                                                                considered appropriate techniques.
                                                          •    Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the
                                                          in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field
                                                          duplicate/second-half sampling.

                                                          •    Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the
                                                          material being sampled.
 Quality of assay data and laboratory tests               •    The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and                 Analytical Methods are described in detail as follows:
                                                          laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or

                                                          total.                                                                           Au, Pt, Pd

                                                          •    For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc,        ·    The samples have been analysed by firing a 40g (approx.) portion of
                                                          the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and    the sample.  This is the classical fire assay process and will give total
                                                          model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.    separation of Gold, Platinum, and Palladium in the sample. These have been

                                                                                determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry.  The
                                                          •    Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks,         sample(s) have been digested with a mixture of acids including Hydrofluoric,
                                                          duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of         Nitric, Hydrochloric and Perchloric Acids. This digest approaches a total
                                                          accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.                  digest for many elements however some refractory oxides are not completely
                                                                                                                                           attacked.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The mineral Cassiterite is not efficiently attacked with this digest.

                                                                                                                                           ·    If Barium occurs as the Sulphate mineral, then at high levels (more
                                                                                                                                           than 4000 ppm) it may re-precipitate after the digest giving seriously low
                                                                                                                                           results.  Using this digest, some sulphur losses may occur if the samples
                                                                                                                                           contain high levels of sulphide.

                                                                                                                                           Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, P, Sc, V, Al, Ca, Na, K, S

                                                                                                                                           have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission
                                                                                                                                           Spectrometry.

                                                                                                                                           As, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ga, Li, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, W, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm,
                                                                                                                                           Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Se, In, Te, Cs, Re, Tl

                                                                                                                                           ·       have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass
                                                                                                                                           Spectrometry.  The samples have been fused with Sodium Peroxide and
                                                                                                                                           subsequently the melt has been dissolved in dilute Hydrochloric acid for
                                                                                                                                           analysis.  Because of the high furnace temperatures, volatile elements are
                                                                                                                                           lost. This procedure is particularly efficient for determination of Major
                                                                                                                                           element composition (Including Silica) in the samples or for the determination
                                                                                                                                           of refractory mineral species.

                                                                                                                                           B, Cr, Si, Fe, Mg, Ti

                                                                                                                                           ·      have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical
                                                                                                                                           Emission Spectrometry.

                                                                                                                                           Ge, Ta, Hf, Zr, Nb, Rb

                                                                                                                                           ·       have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass
                                                                                                                                           Spectrometry.

                                                                                                                                           ·       The assay results were in line with previous rock chip and
                                                                                                                                           drilling results obtained since 2006 at Harts Range.
 Verification of sampling and assaying                    •    The verification of significant intersections by either independent         ·       Independent Laboratory assaying by Ultra Trace has confirmed,
                                                          or alternative company personnel.                                                within acceptable limits, the occurrences of high-grade Nb, U, and REE from

                                                                                the initial in field XRF readings. Laboratory standards and duplicates were
                                                          •    The use of twinned holes.                                                   used in accordance with standard procedures for geochemical assaying as noted

                                                                                below.
                                                          •    Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data

                                                          verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.                  ·       It has met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC

                                                                                controls (standards, blanks) with an overall insertion rate of 20%. However,
                                                          •    Discuss any adjustment to assay data.                                       no field duplicates were included in the three (3) batches and is recommended
                                                                                                                                           that 3% be included in future sampling programs. Summary of QAQC insertion
                                                                                                                                           rates.

                                                                                                                                           ·      Both the company standards and blanks were verified for elements
                                                                                                                                           Nb, U and Dy and returned results within 2 standard deviations (SD). Field
                                                                                                                                           duplicates are not present in the batch therefore were not reviewed.
 Location of data points                                  •    Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar          ·    The spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected during
                                                          and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in      the 2006 and 2007 fieldwork were collected by handheld GPS (-/+ 5m accuracy)
                                                          Mineral Resource estimation.                                                     [MGA94 Zone53]: The table of reported rock chip locations and descriptions are

                                                                                given in throughout the ASX release and in Figure A1-1 (at the end of the
                                                          •    Specification of the grid system used.                                      section).

                                                          •    Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
 Data spacing and distribution                            •    Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.                          ·    The Harts Range licenses lie north-west of the Entia Dome and are

                                                                                underlain by the Harts Range Group (Harts Range Meta-igneous Complex), which
                                                          •    Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to                 predominantly consists of feldspar-biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses.  The
                                                          establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the      Harts Range region at has undergone repeated and substantial crustal reworking
                                                          Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications     between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times and is now thought to represent an
                                                          applied.                                                                         ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of a continental collision

                                                                                zone.
                                                          •    Whether sample compositing has been applied.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Most of the observed mineralisation is related to a swarm of west to
                                                                                                                                           east and southeast-trending pegmatite dykes, with an anomalous occurrence of
                                                                                                                                           the U-bearing mineral samarskite.

                                                                                                                                           ·    At the Cusp Prospect, niobium-HREE-Tantalum identified in pegmatites
                                                                                                                                           running approximately east-west, up to 10 metres thick and over 70 metres
                                                                                                                                           long.

                                                                                                                                           ·    At Bob's Prospect niobium-HREE-Tantalum mineralisation in pegmatites
                                                                                                                                           trend east-west and is several metres thick and over 30 metres long, with
                                                                                                                                           similar geological setting to the Cusp Prospect.

                                                                                                                                           ·    200m west of Bobs (Bobs West), outcropping pegmatite along the same
                                                                                                                                           orientation, hosted exclusively within felsic gneiss of the Irindina Gneiss.
                                                                                                                                           The pegmatite is semi-continuous for ~300m with a similar geological setting
                                                                                                                                           and has notably large green muscovite flakes present.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The Niobium Anomaly Prospect is another variant with high Niobium
                                                                                                                                           results but low in rare earths and uranium. Elevated radiometrics located with
                                                                                                                                           the scintillometer recorded 1,300 cps within a small historic pit at the top
                                                                                                                                           of a knoll. Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic
                                                                                                                                           "granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which are geologically consistent with the
                                                                                                                                           pegmatites mapped at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The Thorium Anomaly Prospect was previously located via airborne
                                                                                                                                           radiometric images. The radiometric anomalies are low order (10 to 20x
                                                                                                                                           background) compared to the spot anomalies at Bob's and Cusp (50-200x
                                                                                                                                           background). Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic
                                                                                                                                           "granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which presumably are geologically features
                                                                                                                                           like the pegmatites at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects.
 Orientation of data in relation to geological structure  •    Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of           ·    In general, the strata of the area surrounding the pegmatite dykes in
                                                          possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the       the Harts Range Meta-Igneous Complex dip steeply (>45 degrees) to the north
                                                          deposit type.                                                                    and strike between east to southeast.

                                                          •    If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the                ·    Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
                                                          orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a     mineralisation along and across strike of the line of lode of the mineralised
                                                          sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.                 pegmatite dyke (very generally east west tends, secondary structures,
                                                                                                                                           surrounding spoil heaps, and across the four (4) anomalous areas originally
                                                                                                                                           identified in the planning stage.

                                                                                                                                           ·    However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor any
                                                                                                                                           of the mineralised prospects have ever been drilled.
 Sample security                                          •    The measures taken to ensure sample security.                               ·    The rock chip samples taken during the historical fieldwork were
                                                                                                                                           securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to Alice Springs by
                                                                                                                                           the field personnel for despatch to the laboratory (Ultra Trace in WA) by
                                                                                                                                           courier.
 Audits or reviews                                        •    The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and             ·    The sampling techniques and the data generated from the laboratory
                                                          data.                                                                            assay results have been peer reviewed by consultant geologists independent of
                                                                                                                                           Castillo Copper Limited (Audax Resources and ROM Resources) familiar with the
                                                                                                                                           overall Harts Range Project and deemed to be acceptable.

                                                                                                                                           ·    No other external audits sampling techniques and data have yet been
                                                                                                                                           planned or undertaken.

 

 

FIGURE A1-1:  HARTS RANGE PROJECT - VARIOUS SURFACE SAMPLES LOCATIONS AND
DESCRIPTIONS

 Sample ID  Prospect Name  Easting   Northing   AHD    Type                                                        Rock Type  Lab Job#  Niobium (Nb)  Uranium (U)  Yttrium (Y)  Tantalum (Ta)  Dysprosium (Dy)  Terbium (Tb)  Full Description
                                                                                                                                        %             %            %            %              %                %
 HR419      Cusp Prospect  507843.0  7447754.0  622.0  Grab sub-crop composite                                     PEG        U109728   17.5          10.1         5.6          9.3            1.1              0.18          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              weathered broken mass (ca. 10 fragments up to several cm diam.); in weathered
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              extremely coarse mica zone on N side of quartz vein in core of E-W pegmatite
 HR420      Cusp Prospect  507859.3  7447754.0  625.0  Sub-crop composite                                          PEG        U109728   1.1           0.2          16.0         0.9            0.0              0.05          MICA (weathered muscovite); weathered extremely coarse mica; on S side of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              quartz vein in core of pegmatite; same site as (radioactive) HR421
 HR421      Cusp Prospect  507859.3  7447754.0  625.0  Sub-crop & float (near in situ) composite                   PEG        U109728   22.7          11.0         6.9          5.5            1.6              0.24          SAMARSKITE (&/or similar): dense brittle blackish radioactive mineral,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              some platy; float on & sub-crop in weathered extremely coarse mica zone on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              S side of quartz vein in core of E-W pegmatite; some attached to quartz; same
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              site as HR420
 HR423      NB Anomaly     510122.0  7450655.0  592.0  Outcrop composite                                           PEG        U109728   1.3           0.018        0.029        n/a            0.004            <0.001        GRANITIC (-pegmatitic) DYKE: pink-grey m-coarse grained feldspar-quartz; ca.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              0.5-1m band in gneiss.
 HR424      NB Anomaly     510105.0  7450423.0  608.0  Channel (~2.5m) (rough) (selective)                         AMP        U109728   1.3           0.007        0.015        0.008          0.003            <0.001        CHLORITE: ca. 2.5m-thick zone of extremely coarse pale greenish chlorite; inc.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              thin bands hornblende-actinolite rock & leucocratic gneiss/amphibolite
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              (not sampled) (= attenuated equivalent of amphibolite-anorthosite +
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              meta-ultramafic unit to NE, where it passes (here) through a thick
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              epidote-rock zone)
 HR425      NB Anomaly     510105.0  7450423.0  608.0  Channel (~2.5m) (rough) (selective)                         AMP        U109728   1.3           0.003        0.006        0.001          0.001            <0.001        AMPHIBOLITE (& anorthosite): composite of thin bands of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              hornblende-actinolite rock & leucocratic gneiss/amphibolite, occurring in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ca. 2.5m-thick zone of extremely coarse pale greenish chlorite (sample HR425)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              (= attenuated equivalent of amphibolite-anorthosite + meta-ultramafic unit to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NE, where it passes (here) through a thick epidote-rock zone)
 HR480      Cusp Prospect  507834.3  7447748.5  620.0  Float (near in situ)                                        PEG        U109905   21.0          11.4         8.0          7.0            1.7              0.27          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              two fragments (larger up to 2-4cm) on soil cover along S side of quartz vein
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              in pegmatite core
 HR481      Cusp Prospect  507843.5  7447749.8  626.0  Scree/float composite (near in situ)                        PEG        U109905   16.3          10.4         3.3          11.0           0.7              0.1           SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              five fragments (ca. 1 cm) in soil cover along S side of quartz vein in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              pegmatite core
 HR482      Cusp Prospect  507847.7  7447751.5  623.0  Grab (sub-crop)                                             PEG        U109905   23.2          12.1         8.6          5.9            1.9              0.29          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              one fragment (ca. 1-2 cm) in/on weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              S side of quartz vein in pegmatite core
 HR483      Cusp Prospect  507848.8  7447751.8  623.0  Grab outcrop composite                                      PEG        U109905   23.0          12.2         8.1          6.6            1.7              0.27          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              cluster of 14+ fragments (or broken weathered larger piece - ca. 10 cm) in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along S side of quartz vein in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              pegmatite core (trace reddish resinous betafite also at site - excluded from
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              sample)
 HR484      Cusp Prospect  507848.8  7447751.8  623.0  Grab outcrop composite                                      QUARTZ     U109905   1.0           0.0          0.0          0.1            0.0              <0.01         QUARTZ: smoky grey quartz from pegmatite (or quartz vein) beside radioactive
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              sample HR483 site
 HR485      Cusp Prospect  507836.3  7447748.5  621.0  Float/sub-crop (in situ)                                    PEG        U109905   24.0          11.6         7.9          5.9            1.8              0.27          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              one fragment (ca. 1-2 cm) at base of soil, on weathered coarse mica along S
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              side of quartz vein in pegmatite core
 HR486      Cusp Prospect  507849.8  7447752.0  623.0  Float composite (near in situ)                              PEG        U109905   0.206         0.112        0.074        0.041          0.016            0.0025        SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              three fragments (ca. 1-3 cm) in soil cover along S side of quartz vein in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              pegmatite core
 HR487      Cusp Prospect  507852.5  7447752.0  624.0  Grab (sub-crop)                                             PEG        U109905   20.0          11.2         8.3          5.2            1.8              0.27          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              two fragments (ca. 1-2 cm) in weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along S
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              side of quartz vein in pegmatite core
 HR488      Cusp Prospect  507854.5  7447752.5  629.0  Grab outcrop composite                                      QUARTZ     U109905   19.4          11.3         7.8          4.7            1.7              0.26          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              cluster of 10+ fragments, most over 1cm (or broken weathered larger piece -
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ca. 5-10 cm) in chalky white feldspar, beside weathered coarse mica beneath
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              soil cover along S side of quartz vein in pegmatite core
 HR490      Cusp Prospect  507850.8  7447755.3  626.0  Float composite (near in situ)                              PEG        U109905   18.0          11.3         7.3          6.3            1.5              0.24          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              five fragments (ca. 1-2 cm) beneath soil, in/on contact of coarse mica zone
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              and feldspar pegmatite rock; along N side of quartz vein in pegmatite core
 HR499      Bobs Prospect  506312.0  7447586.0  -      Scree composite (2 frags, in soil, near in situ)            SMK        U115520   3.0           11.5         10.0         13.4           1.4              0.19          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red brown (slightly translucent)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              mineral; irregular crystalline fragments; with surface coating (1-3mm) of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly Radioactive
 HR500      Bobs Prospect  506308.0  7447585.0  -      Scree composite (14 frags, below soil, in situ)             SMK        U115520   3.2           9.2          8.8          13.9           1.2              0.16          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red brown (translucent) mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              irregular crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1cm (not broken); with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              surface coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Radioactive
 HR501      Bobs Prospect  506306.5  7447584.5  -      Scree composite (11 frags, in soil, near in situ)           SMK        U115520   3.1           10.6         9.2          14.7           1.2              0.17          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red-brown mineral; irregular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1.5cm (not broken); with surface
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly Radioactive
 HR502      Bobs Prospect  506304.0  7447583.5  -      Scree composite (12 frags, below soil, in situ)             SMK        U115520   3.1           10.0         9.2          13.5           1.2              0.17          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red brown (translucent) mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              irregular crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1cm (not broken); with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              surface coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Radioactive
 HR503      Bobs Prospect  506296.0  7447580.0  -      Float composite (7 frags, in soil, near in situ)            SMK        U115520   3.3           11.2         11.1         14.7           1.5              0.21          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red brown (translucent) mineral;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              irregular crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1cm (not broken); with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              surface coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              radioactive; inc. flattish tabular "lozenge"-shaped crystals; + one fragment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ca. 4cm diam.
 HR504      Bobs Prospect  506294.0  7447578.5  -      Scree composite (18 frags, below soil, in situ)             SMK        U115520   3.2           10.5         9.9          14.0           1.3              0.19          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red-brown mineral; irregular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1.5cm (not broken); with surface
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly Radioactive
 HR505      Bobs Prospect  506292.5  7447578.0  -      Float composite (3 frags, in soil, near source)             SMK        U115520   3.4           11.1         10.9         14.3           1.5              0.22          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey-black mineral; irregular crystalline
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              fragments, few very small fragments only (< 2-4 mm); with surface coating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly. radioactive
 HR506      Bobs Prospect  506289.5  7447575.5  -      Float composite (3 frags, in soil, near in situ)            SMK        U115520   3.2           11.7         11.1         14.2           1.5              0.18          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey-black mineral; irregular crystalline
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              fragments, few very small fragments only (< 2-6 mm); with surface coating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly. Radioactive
 HR507      Bobs Prospect  506294.0  7447576.0  -      Float composite (3 frags, in soil, may be from HR509 site)  SMK        U115520   3.3           11.9         10.2         14.0           0.1              0.18          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey-black mineral; irregular crystalline
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              fragments, few very small fragments only (< 2-4 mm); with surface coating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly. radioactive (may be lag from
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              HR509 site)
 HR508      Bobs Prospect  506295.0  7447576.0  -      Float composite (3 frags, in soil, may be from HR509 site)  SMK        U115520   3.4           11.3         11.4         14.9           1.5              0.21          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey-black mineral; irregular crystalline
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              fragments, few small fragments only (< 2-4 mm); with surface coating of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly. radioactive (may be lag from
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              HR509 site)
 HR509      Bobs Prospect  506295.0  7447577.0  -      Scree composite (9 frags, below soil, in situ)              SMK        U115520   3.1           12.7         10.5         14.5           1.5              0.19          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red-brown mineral; irregular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1.5cm (not broken); with surface
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan oxidation; strongly  Radioactive
 HR510      Bobs Prospect  506298.5  7447578.0  -      From weathered sub-crop, 21 frags; in situ                  SMK        U115520   2.9           12.6         10.0         12.3           1.5              0.19          SAMARSKITE (or similar): dark grey black to red-brown mineral; irregular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              crystalline fragments, mostly < ca. 1cm (not broken); in weathered
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              pegmatite; with surface coating (1-3mm) of light greenish yellow tan
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              oxidation; strongly .radioactive  (fragments embedded in pegmatite also found
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              here - not included in sample)

Source: Barfuss Corporation (Reference 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 FIGURE B1-1: SAMPLE DESCRIPTIONS
 Sample ID  Easting  Northing  Location  Samarskite Estimate %  Description
 HRS001     506304   7447586   Bobs      0-1                    Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline
                                                                feldspar and muscovite, ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of
                                                                radiation ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples collected from ~1foot deep into
                                                                weathered pegmatite
 HRS002     506296   7447583   Bobs      0-5                    Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline
                                                                feldspar and muscovite ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of
                                                                radiation ranging between 15-100 micro mSv. Additional dense and dark
                                                                minerals, metallic lustre, ~ 0.5cm, ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples
                                                                collected from ~1foot deep into weathered pegmatite.
 HRS003A    507859   7447753   Cusp      2-15                   Samarskite pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense.
                                                                Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples
                                                                collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite.

                                                                *Mineralised crystal sample present in quartz. Hand specimen ~4cm. Image
                                                                attached.
 HRS003B    507860   7447755   Cusp      Nil                    Pegmatite, appears unmineralised.
 HRS004     507859   7447754   Cusp      1-10                   Samarskite pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense.
                                                                Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples
                                                                collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite.

Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53S

Source: NFM geology team

 FIGURE B1-2: TREO RESULTS
                         FP6/MS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     TREO  (ppm)
            Description  Ag       Th                   U                 Ce                       La                      Y                 Dy                   Er                   Eu                      Gd                   Ho                   Lu                      Nd                   Pr                      Sm                   Tb                   Tm                      Yb
 Sample ID               ppm      ppm                  ppm               ppm                      ppm                     ppm               ppm                  ppm                  ppm                     ppm                  ppm                  ppm                     ppm                  ppm                     ppm                  ppm                  ppm                     ppm
 HRS001     Pegmatite    <2         11,061             114,346                  485                      233                93,860            13,498                 7,419                   184                  5,642                2,535                   782                  1,073                   142                  1,807                1,715                1,127                   7,175
 Bobs
            Avge. Element          11,061              114,346                  485                      233                93,860            13,498                 7,419                   184                  5,642                2,535                   782                  1,073                   142                  1,807                1,715                1,127                   7,175
            Avge.Oxide                                                          595                      273              119,193             15,492                 8,483                   213                  6,503                2,904                   889                  1,252                   172                  2,883                2,018                1,287                   8,170             170,328

 HRS002     Pegmatite    <2         10,794             119,047                  429                      115              108,080             14,212                 7,841                   189                  6,136                2,678                   841                  1,032                   118                  1,954                1,845                1,203                   7,777
 HRS002D    Duplicate    <2         10,559             117,776                  437                      116              106,972             14,359                  ,791                   219                  6,148                2,693                   834                  1,046                   119                  1,974                1,855                1,186                   7,565
 Bobs
            Avge. Element           10,677             118,411                 433                       116              107,526             14,285                 7,816                   204                  6,142                2,686                   838                  1,039                   118                  1,964                1,850                1,195                   7,671
            Avge.Oxide                                                          531                      136              136,547             16,395                 8,937                   236                  7,079                3,077                   953                  1,212                   143                  3,134                2,176                1,364                   8,735             190,655

 HRS003A    Samaskarite  14         11,440               85,639              2,201                       684                56,791            11,220                 4,077                   164                  7,309                1,687                   344                  3,013                   426                  3,429                1,756                   559                  3,334
 Cusp
            Avge. Element           11,440               85,639                2,201                     684                56,791            11,220                 4,077                   164                  7,309                1,687                   344                  3,013                   426                  3,429                1,756                   559                  3,334
            Avge.Oxide                                                         2,704                     802                72,119            12,877                 4,663                   189                  8,424                1,933                   391                  3,514                   514                  5,473                2,066                   638                  3,797             120,105

 HRS003B    Pegmatite    <2                81                 614                   12                       3                   438                 80                   29                     1                     53                   12                     3                     20                     3                     24                   13                     4                     25
 Cusp
            Avge. Element                  81                 614                   12                       3                   438                 80                   29                     1                     53                   12                     3                     20                     3                     24                   13                     4                     25
            Avge.Oxide                                                              15                       4                   556                 92                   33                     1                     61                 14                       3                     23                     3                     39                   15                     4                     28                 891

 HRS004     Samaskarite  12           9,652              72,383                 716                        61               48,979              9,861                3,590                   144                  6,319                1,517                   309                  2,024                   212                  2,829                1,525                   492                  2,964
 Cusp
            Avge. Element             9,652              72,383                 716                        61               48,979              9,861                3,590                   144                  6,319                1,517                   309                  2,024                   212                  2,829                1,525                   492                  2,964
            Avge.Oxide                                                         880                         72               62,199            11,317                 4,105                   167                  7,283                1,737                   351                  2,361                   257                  4,514                1,794                   562                  3,375             100,973

Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53S

Source: NFM geology team

 

 

 

 Prospect    Sample ID  Easting  Northing  Date Collected  Description                          Radioactivity (µS)
 Dune        HRS006     510106   7450427   19/11/24        amphibolite schist.                  0.4
             HRS007     510122   7450655   19/11/24        Granite/pegmatite                    -
 Cusp North  HRS008     507726   7448141   19/11/24        Felsic schist, copper enriched       -
             HRS009     507730   7448076   19/11/24        Felsic schist, copper enriched       -
             HRS010     507737   7448047   19/11/24        Felsic schist                        -
 Cusp        HRS011     507848   7447749   19/11/24        Biotite pegmatite                    -
             HRS012     507848   7447755   19/11/24        Muscovite pegmatite                  -
 Bobs North  HRS013     505947   7448424   20/11/24        Biotite pegmatite, copper enriched   -
 Bobs West   HRS014     506097   7447593   20/11/24        Muscovite pegmatite, 2% K from PXRF  1.5
             HRS015     506104   7447590   20/11/24        Muscovite pegmatite, 6% K from PXRF
 Big Jay     HRS016     506736   7445987   21/11/24        Pegmatite                            0.50
             HRS017     506775   7445989   21/11/24        Pegmatite                            0.70
             HRS018     506686   7445972   21/11/24        Pegmatite                            0.50

 

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

 

 Criteria                                                                                       JORC Code explanation                                                            Commentary
 Mineral tenement and land tenure status                                                        •    Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including               ·    The Harts Range Project lies in the south-east of the Northern
                                                                                                agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures,         Territory, roughly 120 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.  Two granted
                                                                                                partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites,    tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110 km(2) tenement package
                                                                                                wilderness or national park and environmental settings.                          is located near essential infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty

                                                                                Highway.
                                                                                                •    The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with

                                                                                                any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. in the      ·    A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system
                                                                                                area.                                                                            'Strike' on the 10 of October 2024, to validate the currentness of the
                                                                                                                                                                                 exploration areas. All are current.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The region is serviced by excellent roads (Stuart Highway), train
                                                                                                                                                                                 (the famous Ghan rail) and bus links connect the area.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    Domestic and some international flights are available from Alice
                                                                                                                                                                                 Springs (1 hour drive south of Harts Range) while all international flights
                                                                                                                                                                                 are available direct from Darwin.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    As a major regional centre, the town of Alice Springs provides public
                                                                                                                                                                                 and private schools. There are churches, supermarkets, speciality shops,
                                                                                                                                                                                 hotels, motels, cafés & restaurants, medical centres.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    There is a professional police and emergency services presence
                                                                                                                                                                                 throughout the area. Local professional and trade services support the
                                                                                                                                                                                 community and the mining industry. Mobile phone and internet access are good.
 Exploration done by other parties                                                              •    Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.               ·    Historical "Strike"-based mineral exploration reports have been
                                                                                                                                                                                 reviewed for historical tenures that cover or partially cover the Project Area
                                                                                                                                                                                 in this announcement. Federal and State Government reports supplement the
                                                                                                                                                                                 historical mineral exploration reporting (QDEX open file exploration records).

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    Most explorers were searching for either Cu-Au-U, gemstones, or
                                                                                                                                                                                 industrial minerals in the 1990's, and proving satellite deposit style
                                                                                                                                                                                 extensions to the several small subeconomic uranium or copper deposits.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The project is flanked by Independence Group (IGO) to the north,
                                                                                                                                                                                 south and west. IGO is exploring for a raft of critical battery minerals.
 Geology                                                                                        •    Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation.              Regional Geology

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The Harts Range Niobium, Uranium-Heavy Rare Earth Project lies
                                                                                                                                                                                 north-west of the Entia Dome (Figure A2-1) and is underlain by the Harts Range
                                                                                                                                                                                 Group (Harts Range Meta-igneous Complex), which predominantly consists of
                                                                                                                                                                                 feldspar-biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The Harts Range region has undergone repeated and substantial crustal
                                                                                                                                                                                 re-working between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times. As a result, it is now
                                                                                                                                                                                 believed to represent an ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of
                                                                                                                                                                                 a continental collision zone.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    Magnetotellurics data interpreted by a team consisting of Adelaide
                                                                                                                                                                                 University and NTGS geologists (Selway et al, 2006) suggests the Entia Dome
                                                                                                                                                                                 system is a deep-crustal feature that can be shown extending to the mantle.

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The below maps (Figures A2-2 and A2-3) show a traverse through the
                                                                                                                                                                                 Arunta from north to south and skirted around the dome to the east and
                                                                                                                                                                                 highlighting a major subduction zone to the north of the dome. The latter
                                                                                                                                                                                 diagram shows the distribution of regional stratigraphic units.

                                                                                                                                                                                 FIGURES A2-1:  REGIONAL STRUCTURE PLAN

FIGURE A2-2:  WEST TO EAST REGIONAL CRUSTAL CROSS-SECTION

 

                                                                                                                                                                                 FIGURE A2-3:  REGIONAL GEOLOGY

Local Geology

                                                                                                                                                                                 ·    The main rock types mapped and sampled at various REE Prospects
                                                                                                                                                                                 include:

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Biotite Schist/Granofels: brown-blackish biotite-rich rock; thin (5-10cm)
                                                                                                                                                                                 poorly exposed zone on N side of ~6m thick unit/zone of similar rock (e.g.
                                                                                                                                                                                 HR398, HR399 sites) (on N side of HR399).

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Pegmatite, apatite-bearing: scree frags near W end of E-W pegmatite, near
                                                                                                                                                                                 intersection with north-south calcite vein; very coarse-grained
                                                                                                                                                                                 feldspar-quartz with common coarse apatite - pale semi-translucent slightly
                                                                                                                                                                                 greenish (rare honey-brown) blocky/tabular/hexagonal, some intergrown with
                                                                                                                                                                                 feldspar/quartz.

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Garnet-Cummingtonite rock: coarse-grained rock; with abundant interstitial
                                                                                                                                                                                 pale greenish malachite-magnesite material; small patch of sub-crop amongst
                                                                                                                                                                                 scree.

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Gneiss: weathered, moderately banded, fine-to-medium grained
                                                                                                                                                                                 quartz-feldspar-hornblende-garnet; some coarser quartz-garnet rock; some brown
                                                                                                                                                                                 haematite on fractures; sample below HR444.

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Ultramafics: slightly weathered medium grained, greenish/brownish
                                                                                                                                                                                 amphibole/olivine-dominated meta-ultramafic.

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Amphibolite: grey fine-grained hornblende -quartz rock; (approx. adjacent
                                                                                                                                                                                 rough channel samples: HR461 (1m) above HR462 (3m) above HR463 (3m) above
                                                                                                                                                                                 HR464 (1m)).

                                                                                                                                                                                 o  Samarskite (or similar), being a dense brittle blackish lustrous
                                                                                                                                                                                 radioactive mineral; cluster of 10+ fragments, most over 1cm (or broken
                                                                                                                                                                                 weathered larger piece - ca. 5-10 cm) in chalky white feldspar, beside
                                                                                                                                                                                 weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along southern side of quartz vein in
                                                                                                                                                                                 a pegmatite core.
 Drillhole                                                                                      •    A summary of all information material to the understanding of the           ·    Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results presented.

                                                                                              exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for
 Information                                                                                    all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar

                                                                                                o   elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of
                                                                                                the drill hole collar

                                                                                                o   dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o
                                                                                                hole length.

                                                                                                •    If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that
                                                                                                the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
                                                                                                understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why
                                                                                                this is the case.
 Data aggregation methods                                                                       •    In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques,           ·    Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 28 rock chip samples
                                                                                                maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and       from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged if more than one reading or
                                                                                                cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.                        determination was given. There was no cutting of high-grade REE results as

                                                                                they are directly relatable to high grade mineralisation styles readily
                                                                                                •    Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade          visible in the relevant samples.
                                                                                                results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such

                                                                                                aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations      ·    There were no cut-off grades factored into any reporting of the
                                                                                                should be shown in detail.                                                       laboratory assay results.

                                                                                                •    The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
                                                                                                should be clearly stated.
 Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths  •    These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of                                                                    ·    The 2006-7 rock chip and soil samples were taken at areas of interest
                                                                   Exploration Results.                                                                                                                       from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised

                                                                                                                                          pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, and surrounding spoil heaps.
                                                                   •    If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole                                                                  Twenty-one (21) rock chip samples collected from rock faces and/or outcrops.
                                                                   angle is known, its nature should be reported.

                                                                                                                                          ·    Eight (8) rock chip samples collected from stockpiles, shaft waste
                                                                   •    If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported,                                                                       piles, and/or boulders of rock onsite.
                                                                   there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true
                                                                   width not known').
 Diagrams                                                          •    Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of                                                                        ·    Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the Appendices of
                                                                   intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported                                                                 the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the diagram, grids have
                                                                   These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar                                                               been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for distance.
                                                                   locations and appropriate sectional views.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              ·    Maps and Plans presented in the current ASX Release are in MGA94 Zone
                                                                                                                                                                                                              53, Eastings (mN), and Northing (mN), unless clearly labelled otherwise.
 Balanced reporting                                                •    Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not                                                                       ·    Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
                                                                   practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or                                                                   mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke,
                                                                   widths should be practiced avoiding misleading reporting of Exploration                                                                    secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the north and south of
                                                                   Results.                                                                                                                                   the line of lode to check the validity of the defined four (4) anomalous map
                                                                                                                                                                                                              areas.
 Other substantive exploration data                                •    • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be                                                                       ·    The area is covered by regional airborne government and private
                                                                   reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical                                                              radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately,
                                                                   survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of                                                              other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have
                                                                   treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical                                                             been undertaken.
                                                                   and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              ·    Substantial historical and current ground geochemical (stream
                                                                                                                                                                                                              sediment, soil, and rock chip samples have been undertaken and two episodes of
                                                                                                                                                                                                              shallow drilling, mostly for industrial minerals (gemstones and vermiculite)
                                                                                                                                                                                                              by the owners of the leases, since 2006.
 Further work                                                      •    The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral                                                                  o  A future exploration strategy should encompass the following steps in
                                                                   extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).                                                                          subsequent field programs:

                                                                   •    Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,                                                                       o  Reconnaissance mapping programs.
                                                                   including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,

                                                                   provided this information is not commercially sensitive.                                                                                   o  Close-spaced radiometric geophysical surveys.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              o  Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              o  Regional soil sampling campaigns.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              o  Mineral characterisation studies and petrological analysis.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              o  Target generation and prioritisation; and

                                                                                                                                                                                                              o  Exploratory drill-testing.

 

 

 

 

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